The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the upcoming season, citing “recent developments.”
The board has also allowed the franchise to sign a replacement player.
BCCI Secretary Debjit Saikia confirmed the decision on Friday while speaking to Indian news agency ANI in Guwahati.
“In view of the recent incidents, the BCCI has directed the KKR franchise to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman from their team,” Saikia said.
“The BCCI has also said that if the franchise wants to change the player, permission will be granted in accordance with IPL rules.”
Following the directive, Kolkata Knight Riders issued an official statement confirming Mustafizur’s release.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” the franchise said.
“The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” it added.
Mustafizur Rahman was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs9.2 crore at the most recent IPL auction.
The upcoming season was set to be his sixth stint in the tournament.
Over the course of eight IPL seasons, the left-arm pacer has represented five different franchises and has taken a total of 65 wickets.
The BCCI has not provided further details on the specific circumstances that led to the decision.